ABU DHABI: Bangladesh set Sri Lanka a target of 140 after scoring 139 for 5 in their Group B Asia Cup 2025 encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday, with a late recovery rescuing them from a top-order collapse on a slow, dry pitch.
The Sri Lankan bowlers struck early, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order in the powerplay. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon both fell without scoring, leaving Bangladesh at 2 for 0 inside two overs.
Skipper Litton Das (28 off 26) tried to steady the innings, but was dismissed just as he looked set, caught behind off Wanindu Hasaranga.
The middle order also faltered under pressure. Towhid Hridoy was run out after a mix-up, and Mahedi Hasan fell LBW to Hasaranga, who finished with figures of 2/22 in a crafty spell. At 53/5 in the 10th over, Bangladesh looked headed for a sub-par total.
However, the tide turned thanks to a brilliant, unbroken 86-run partnership between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain.
The duo played smartly, relying on sharp running and timely boundaries rather than big shots, with the pitch making strokeplay difficult.
Jaker Ali remained unbeaten on 41 off 34 balls, while Shamim Hossain contributed 42 off 34*, including only one six of the innings.
Despite the strong finish, 46 runs in the last 5 overs at a run rate of 9.20, Bangladesh’s total of 139/5 is modest, especially against a deep and experienced Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Now, all eyes turn to Bangladesh’s bowling unit, which must defend 140 on a slow pitch. With spin expected to play a major role, this could still be a tight contest, but Sri Lanka holds the advantage heading into the second innings.
In response, Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy steadied the ship after an aggressive start. Their approach, rotating strike and minimising risks when boundaries dried up, could become the template for success on Abu Dhabi’s often two-paced surface.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Pervez Hossain Emon, 2. Tanzid Hasan, 3. Litton Das (capt & wk), 4. Towhid Hridoy, 5. Jaker Ali, 6. Shamim Hossain, 7. Mahedi Hasan, 8. Rishad Hossain, 9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10. Taskin Ahmed, 11. Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kamil Mishara, 4. Kusal Perera, 5. Charith Asalanka (capt), 6. Kamindu Mendis, 7. Dasun Shanaka, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Binura Fernando, 11. Nuwan Thushara.
